EastEnders fans make one huge request after legend returns
Sam Mitchell has been back in EastEnders for all of six minutes, with Kim Medcalf reprising her role as the troublesome Mitchell sister for a short stint that’s set to conclude in early 2026.
She’s the Sam we remember; a perfectly highlighted blonde mane, a sharp blazer and an extreme propensity for scheming and stuffing as much cash into her imitation Gucci bag before heading back to sunny Spain, only this time, there’s a difference.
Sam (2025 version) is terrified upon the discovery of a lump in her breast.
After previously having had a benign lump, she believes her luck has run out, and, after losing her beloved mum and undisputed Queen of Albert Square, Peggy (Barbara Windsor) to the disease, believes she has no chance of beating hit when her diminutive-but-fierce mother couldn’t.
There’s a nuance to this Sam as, for the first time, her motives aren’t (entirely) selfish. She wants cash to leave as a legacy for her son, Ricky Branning (Frankie Day), who she’s fully aware she’s failed as a mother.
Fans are strapped in for the ride alongside Sam, but, a few of them want it to last much longer than previously promised.
Fans want a full-time Sam return
The announcement of Sam’s return made clear that it’d be a short visit, but now, with her back on screens and in the living room/kitchen/attic/man cave of viewers across the nation, they’re demanding that she stay.
Taking to Twitter/X, Tom Dix/@tom_dix_ said: ‘For Christmas this year I would like Eastenders to make Sam Mitchell a permanent character on the square. She has so much untapped potential with so many links to various characters. It’s crazy that she’s not heading up a clan of her own and rebuilding the Mitchells.’
Echoing his sentiments, Rich/@MrRichieW added: ‘I want Kim Medcalf back full-time so badly. I want a full-on Sam Mitchell resurge with luck on her side, scheming and making firm roots in the square. She’s a huge fan favourite and I can’t understand why the writers can’t develop her long-term.’
‘A great episode of #EastEnders tonight as we offically welcome Sam Mitchell back to Walford after nearly 2 years away. It’s so great to have Sam back on the show where she belongs and she’s settled back into the show instantly. I’m sad it’s only a short stint’ said Ryan Glendenning/@RyanSoapKing25, while M/@rose_symphony3 added: ‘They need to bring Sam back permanently, the Mitchell’s need her, the show needs her.’
Even Metro‘s own Stephen Patterson is overjoyed!: ‘It’s so good to have Sam Mitchell back!’
Sam’s cancer storyline
Shortly following the announcement of Sam’s return, soap bosses confirmed she’d be at the centre of a breast cancer plot, with viewers following Sam’s from the battle with her family to seek medical attention which she’s staunchly opposed to, to receiving a cancer diagnosis and the following treatment she’ll undergo, ending with a successful lumpectomy.
The plot also aims to highlight the importance of monitoring and seeking professional advice when experiencing changes in the breasts.
‘Enders boss, Ben Wadey, said: ‘It was imperative that we worked with Breast Cancer Now to ensure that Sam’s important breast cancer storyline was portrayed sensitively and accurately.
‘Sam is initially hesitant to seek medical advice after she finds a lump in her breast but with the support of family and friends, Sam gets help quickly, and because her cancer is caught early, she’s able to successfully remove her breast lump via a lumpectomy in the New Year.’
‘Sam’s experience will resonate with thousands of EastEnders viewers. We’ve drawn on our insights and extensive expertise supporting people affected by breast cancer to help guide this storyline and ensure it’s portrayed authentically,’ added Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now.
‘We know that the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chances of successful treatment and, ultimately, of lives being saved.
‘As such, EastEnders is delivering a vital health message by raising awareness of the importance of breast checking, knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and getting any new or unusual breast changes checked by a GP.’